By VeeFitness
•
June 1, 2023
Staying active plays a crucial role in managing diabetes by offering various benefits for individuals with the condition. Regular physical activity can help control blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, reduce the risk of heart disease and nerve damage, control weight, lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, strengthen muscles and bones, reduce anxiety, enhance general well-being, and even improve memory (1)(2)(3)(4)(7)(8)(12)(13). When you are active, your body becomes more sensitive to insulin, allowing cells to use blood sugar for energy. This increased sensitivity helps manage diabetes and control blood sugar levels (1). Regular physical activity can also reduce the amount of insulin needed, as it improves insulin sensitivity over time (7). Exercise can directly lower blood sugar levels, and it is recommended to aim for at least 150 minutes of moderately intense physical activities per week (3). Engaging in activities that get you out of breath, such as fast walking, climbing stairs, or doing more strenuous housework or gardening, can be effective (4). In addition to blood sugar control, staying active helps manage weight. Exercise burns extra calories, which can aid in weight management or weight loss if needed (2)(8). Maintaining a healthy weight is important for diabetes management as it can improve insulin sensitivity and overall glycemic control. Regular physical activity also has cardiovascular benefits for individuals with diabetes. It can help lower blood pressure, improve blood flow, and lower the levels of harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides while raising healthy HDL cholesterol (2)(8). These improvements contribute to a reduced risk of heart disease, a common complication associated with diabetes. Engaging in physical activity can have a positive impact on mental well-being as well. Exercise has been shown to reduce anxiety and improve mood, which can have a significant impact on overall quality of life for individuals managing diabetes (2)(9)(13). To receive the best health benefits, it is recommended to consult with your doctor about the best time to exercise, potential impact of medications on blood sugar levels during physical activity, and individualized exercise plans [ 3 ]. It's important to note that exercise is not a replacement for other diabetes management strategies, such as medication or dietary changes, but rather a supportive component of a comprehensive approach to managing diabetes (10). In summary, staying active is highly beneficial for managing diabetes. It can help control blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, manage weight, lower blood pressure, improve cholesterol levels, strengthen muscles and bones, reduce anxiety, enhance general well-being, and improve memory. Regular physical activity is a foundational element of diabetes management and should be incorporated into an individual's overall diabetes care plan. References : [1] "Nov 3, 2022 · If you have diabetes, being active makes your body more sensitive to insulin (the hormone that allows cells in your body to use blood sugar for energy), which helps manage your diabetes. Physical activity also helps control blood sugar levels and lowers your risk of heart disease and nerve damage.” URL: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/managing/active.html [2] "Feb 3, 2021 · Exercise helps control weight, lower blood pressure, lower harmful LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, raise healthy HDL cholesterol, strengthen muscles and bones, reduce anxiety, and improve your general well-being." URL: https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-importance-of-exercise-when-you-have-diabetes [3] "Jan 20, 2022 · Your doctor can also suggest the best time to exercise and explain the potential impact of medications on your blood sugar as you become more active. For the best health benefits, experts recommend at least 150 minutes a week of moderately intense physical activities such as: Fast walking Lap swimming Bicycling" URL: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-and-exercise/art-20045697 [4] "Being active lowers your blood sugar level Physical exercise helps lower your blood sugar level. You should aim for 2.5 hours of activity a week. You can be active anywhere as long as what you're doing gets you out of breath. This could be: fast walking climbing stairs doing more strenuous housework or gardening" URL: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/type-2-diabetes/food-and-keeping-active/ [5] "" URL: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/type-2-diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-prevention/art-20047639 [6] "Feb 16, 2018 · Staying active is key to managing your blood sugar if you have type 2 diabetes. Here are five ways to get exercise without an expensive gym membership." URL: https://www.healthline.com/health/type-2-diabetes/stay-active-without-the-gym [7] "Jul 27, 2022 · Improve blood sugar control – Regular physical activity can make it easier for your cells to absorb blood sugar, which means that you may need less insulin. This is called insulin sensitivity, and over time, it can lead to better blood sugar control. A great indicator of long-term blood sugar control is your haemoglobin A1C." URL: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/spotlights/diabetes-physical-activity.html [8] "Physical activity is an important part of managing your blood glucose level and staying healthy. Being active has many health benefits. Physical activity lowers blood glucose levels lowers blood pressure improves blood flow burns extra calories so you can keep your weight down if needed improves your mood" URL: https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/diet-eating-physical-activity [9] "Apr 6, 2018 · Staying active - challenging as it may be when you’re not feeling well - is key to controlling diabetes. Members of MyDiabetesTeam say exercise has helped them lower blood sugar, lose weight, and improve overall quality of life." URL: https://www.diabetesteam.com/resources/staying-active-and-diabetes [10] "Jan 30, 2023 · Lifestyle changes such as eating healthy and being active are an important part of managing diabetes. But your doctor may also prescribe a combination of medicines to help you manage your diabetes and reduce the risk of complications." URL: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/Statins_Diabetes.html [11] "Jun 3, 2022 · A key to many diabetes management plans is learning how to count carbohydrates. Carbohydrates often have the biggest impact on your blood sugar levels. For people taking mealtime insulin, it's important to know the amount of carbohydrates in your food, so you get the proper insulin dose. Learn what portion size is appropriate for each food type." URL: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/diabetes/in-depth/diabetes-management/art-20047963 [12] "Staying active can: Help control your blood sugar Help control your weight Keep your heart, lungs, and blood vessels healthy While the focus of activity is often weight loss, you can benefit and become healthier from activity even without losing weight. Staying Active at Home One of the best things you can do is get up and start moving." URL: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000084.htm [13] "Nov 3, 2022 · There are so many benefits, from sleeping better to feeling happier. Regular physical activity can also help you: Lose or maintain your weight. Improve your memory. Manage your blood pressure. Lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and raise HDL (“good”) cholesterol. Physical activity is a foundation of diabetes management." URL: https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/library/features/get-moving-to-manage-diabetes.html